Questions and Answer factsheet
East Dunbartonshire Council in partnership with Scottish Environmental Protection Agency are working towards improving and restoring the natural environment including river restoration for the Glazert Water in Lennoxtown. The aim of this project is to restore the river, as well making improvements to wildlife habitats and encourage public use / amenity in the area.
This factsheet provides some information to support the above project. We would like your feedback as to what improvements you would like to see.
Who is involved in this project?
East Dunbartonshire Council (EDC) is leading the project with their environmental consultants Cbec. Technical input and support is being provided by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA).
Who is funding this Glazert Water project?
This project is funded jointly by EDC and from SEPA’s Water Environmental fund (WEF).
Why is the Glazert Water being considered?
EDC along with other interested Stakeholders have been looking to deliver benefits in this catchment for some time now and this project will provide multiple benefits in this area. The legacy of industrial heritage has had an impact on the Glazert Water with for example man-made features, straightening of the watercourse, modified banking and other pressures that has made the river less natural.
What other aims are being considered as part of this project?
The aim of the project is to improve and naturalise the river, further improvements for wildlife, recreation and / or amenity. It is important that we connect the local community to the river so that residents can enjoy the river corridor accordingly.
Will the Glazert Water shape be changed?
The intention is to remove the features along the river to make it more natural.This will allow the river space and re-connect the river to its natural functional floodplain where possible.
Will the proposals impact the extraction of water from the Glazert Water or reduce the water levels in the river?
The proposals will neither impact the extraction of water from the Glazert Water nor affect its water levels. SEPA monitor the river levels and flows.
Is Dredging the river being proposed to minimise flood risk?
Dredging is NOT being considered of the Glazert Water.
Are hard engineered solutions being proposed for this watercourse?
No hard engineering solutions are being undertaken in this stretch. The design proposes to remove the impacts which make the river less natural.
Will the proposals increase flood risk locally or in the wider river catchment elsewhere?
Hydraulic flood modelling will be undertaken pre- and post- scenarios to ensure any proposals do not increase flood risk to existing and proposed development. If flood modelling indicates an increase in flood risk this will be reviewed. Any measures to reconnect the floodplain to the river will reduce flood risk.
Will there be tree felling in the area?
Where possible tree felling will be minimised.Some areas may require thinning and cut back of vegetation to allow these areas to regrow. With expert advice from our environmental consultants, tree officers and designers we will aim to minimise disruption and removal of trees. The intention is to improve habitat and wildlife.
Tree planting using native species will be carried out in areas that require replanting. Good woodland management will be utilised to ensure such areas are planted up with a diverse stock suitable to the local area, with species planted that will positively impact on the river. (e.g. native species with open canopy to provide dappled sunlight and improved biodiversity for river ecology)
Will the existing collapsed weirs be replaced on the Glazert Water?
There are NO proposals to replace any weirs in the stretch.
Will erosion to some of the banking be improved as part of these works?
All pressures on the river will be assessed. The way the river reacts to restoration will be reviewed as part of the study. It is worth noting erosion is a natural river process and there are a variety of factors which impact on rates of erosion.
Will the existing path and links to be used during the works?
Yes pedestrian access at all times where possible will be achieved during the on-site works. There are currently no closures planned however there are good alternative routes if required.
Will there be an impact on biodiversity?
Plans will look to enhance biodiversity where possible.Planting native tree and plant species will be included to improve biodiversity.River restoration will improve habitats for fish, and in the longer term, communities will be invited to participate in planting projects and conservation management.
Will paths be diverted and upgraded?
Any path diversions or reprofiling will be dependent on the final designs.The project aims to increase connectivity to the Glazert Water and the team will be looking to address this through improved signage, path repair etc.
What are the plans for planting and reinstatement of the ground?
Final landscaping plans will be dependent on designs and planting will be carried out to enhance native species and local biodiversity within the river system.
Access to the Glazert Water from parts of Lennoxtown is limited.
One of the drivers of the project is to encourage all, including local communities and visitors, to connect with the river. This can be achieved by creating enhanced accessibility to the river. The project will look at access links to and from the paths and improve connectivity for all users.
Are all Landowners in favour of our proposals?
The project team has been establishing all land ownership in the area where proposals have been considered.Discussions have taken place with all parties involved and we are progressing to achieve agreement of our proposals in due course.
How will my feedback on the project be used?
All responses are to be compiled and reviewed by the project team only. This feedback will not be used for any other purposes and will input into developing the project detail design proposals. When the detail designs are available, the local community will have an opportunity to view and provide further comment.